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Preserving Cranberry Juice (Twice the Methods!)

Preserving fresh cranberry juice through water bath canning is a straightforward process, whether you prefer it sweetened or unsweetened.

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DIY Cranberry Juice Canning: Two Methods Explored
DIY Cranberry Juice Canning: Two Methods Explored

Preserving Cranberry Juice (Twice the Methods!)

In the world of home preservation, canning your own cranberry juice is a delightful and rewarding endeavour. This article will guide you through two methods for canning cranberry juice at home, offering you a chance to enjoy fresh, flavourful juice all year round.

Method 1: Canning Whole Cranberries

The first method involves canning whole cranberries with sugar and water, allowing the juice to extract naturally in the pantry, and then filtering it out when needed. Here's how it works:

  1. Prepare a water bath canner and get your lids ready.
  2. Pour boiling water over 3 lbs of cranberries, 12 cups of sugar, and enough water to cover the berries, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Seal with 2 part lids.
  3. Process the jars in a water bath canner for 25 minutes (both pints and quarts) if under 1,000 feet in elevation. Processing time increases for higher elevations.
  4. After 4-6 weeks, the juice will have extracted fully and can be strained and enjoyed over ice.

Method 2: Simplified Canning Method

This second method is simpler and quicker, as it doesn't require making the juice first. Here's how it goes:

  1. Prepare a water bath canner and get your lids ready.
  2. Pour boiling water over the cranberries and sugar, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. The amount of cranberries and sugar will depend on the batch size, with approximately 4 bags of cranberries (1 3/4 cups per jar) needed for a 7 quart canning batch.
  3. Seal with 2 part lids and process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes at a full rolling boil if below 1,000 feet in elevation, or for 15 minutes at higher elevations.
  4. After 4-6 weeks, the juice will have extracted fully and can be strained and enjoyed over ice.

A Few Important Notes

  • It's essential to note that no specific person is credited with writing the recipe for concentrated cranberry juice.
  • Fresh cranberry juice is more flavourful than store-bought cranberry cocktail.
  • Homemade cranberry juice can be canned unsweetened or sweetened with as much or as little sugar as desired.
  • The pulp from the extracted juice still has flavour left and can be extracted again for more juice.
  • Extracted cranberry juice can be concentrated by using more cranberries and less water. Each 12 oz bag of cranberries makes roughly two quarts of juice.

Safety First

  • It's crucial to read a beginner's guide to water bath canning before getting started to ensure safety and success in your canning journey.
  • Always follow proper canning procedures and guidelines to ensure the safety of your preserved food.

Enjoy the sweet and light juice from these two methods, perfect for straining and drinking over ice on a hot summer day. Happy canning!

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